Patton adds to legend with clutch fourth-quarter catch

Phil Dawson #9 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after kicking the game winning 40 yard field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the final moments of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 23-20. less

Phil Dawson #9 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after kicking the game winning 40 yard field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the final moments of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton, top, pulls in a pass to set up the game-winning field goal as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antoine Cason (20) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers won 23-20. less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton, top, pulls in a pass to set up the game-winning field goal as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antoine Cason (20) defends during the second half of an NFL football ... more

Photo: Rick Scuteri / Associated Press

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Wide receiver Anquan Boldin #81 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the football after a reception past cornerback Jerraud Powers #25 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 23-20. less

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin #81 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the football after a reception past cornerback Jerraud Powers #25 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman celebrates is fumble recovery against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman celebrates is fumble recovery against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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Phil Dawson #9 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates alongside Andy Lee #4 after kicking the game winning 40 yard field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the final moments of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 23-20. less

Phil Dawson #9 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates alongside Andy Lee #4 after kicking the game winning 40 yard field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the final moments of the NFL game at the ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Michael Floyd #15 of the Arizona Cardinals catches a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Michael Floyd #15 of the Arizona Cardinals catches a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Anthony Dixon #24 of the San Francisco 49ers comes up short on a fourth and one play against the Arizona Cardinals during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Anthony Dixon #24 of the San Francisco 49ers comes up short on a fourth and one play against the Arizona Cardinals during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) kicks the game winning field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers won 23-20. less

San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) kicks the game winning field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers ... more

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) during the first half.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) during the first half.

Vernon Davis catches a 3 yard touchdown pass from Colin Kaepernick #7 against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. less

Vernon Davis catches a 3 yard touchdown pass from Colin Kaepernick #7 against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, ... more

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is pressured by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker John Abraham during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is pressured by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker John Abraham during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Rick Scuteri / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Rick Scuteri / Associated Press

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Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to throw a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to throw a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to throw a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to throw a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Michael Floyd #15 of the Arizona Cardinals runs the ball against Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Michael Floyd #15 of the Arizona Cardinals runs the ball against Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson, right, signals a missed field goal as San Francisco 49ers' Phil Dawson (9) and Andy Lee (4) stand near during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. less

Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson, right, signals a missed field goal as San Francisco 49ers' Phil Dawson (9) and Andy Lee (4) stand near during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, ... more

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, right, talks with quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) prior to a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. less

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, right, talks with quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) prior to a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, ... more

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

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Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sideline during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sideline during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Andre Roberts #12 of the Arizona Cardinals scores a 34 yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer #3 in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers to tie the game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. less

Andre Roberts #12 of the Arizona Cardinals scores a 34 yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer #3 in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers to tie the game at University of Phoenix Stadium on ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Andre Roberts #12 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with teammate Larry Fitzgerald #11 after scoring a 34 yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer #3 in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers to tie the game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. less

Andre Roberts #12 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with teammate Larry Fitzgerald #11 after scoring a 34 yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer #3 in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers to ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) gets the throw off as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald (91) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. less

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) gets the throw off as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald (91) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in ... more

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) can't hold on to the ball as San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. less

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) can't hold on to the ball as San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, ... more

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers react in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers react in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is stopped short of the goal line by San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman during the first half.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is stopped short of the goal line by San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman during the first half.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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Tony Jerod-Eddie #63 and Glenn Dorsey #90 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate a missed field goal by the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. less

Tony Jerod-Eddie #63 and Glenn Dorsey #90 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate a missed field goal by the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter during a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) celebrates his touchdown as side judge Michael Banks (72) makes the call during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) celebrates his touchdown as side judge Michael Banks (72) makes the call during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, ... more

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers strong safety Craig Dahl (43) celebrates a defensive stop against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers strong safety Craig Dahl (43) celebrates a defensive stop against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Rick Scuteri / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) hands off against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) hands off against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) can't hold on to the ball as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. less

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) can't hold on to the ball as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in ... more

Photo: Rick Scuteri / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh gets ready to blow the whistle as the team warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh gets ready to blow the whistle as the team warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

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The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders line up during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders line up during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, ... more

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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Tight end Vernon Davis of the San Francisco 49ers walks out onto the field before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Tight end Vernon Davis of the San Francisco 49ers walks out onto the field before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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A San Francisco 49ers fans holds a sign prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

A San Francisco 49ers fans holds a sign prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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Running back Anthony Dixon #24 of the San Francisco 49ers takes a hand off from head coach Jim Harbaugh before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. less

Running back Anthony Dixon #24 of the San Francisco 49ers takes a hand off from head coach Jim Harbaugh before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warms up before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warms up before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) warms up with teammate Kendall Hunter prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) warms up with teammate Kendall Hunter prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh warms up his team prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh warms up his team prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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Strong safety Craig Dahl #43, defensive back Raymond Ventrone #41, defensive back Darryl Morris #40, cornerback Tramaine Brock #26 and wide receiver Anquan Boldin #81 of the San Francisco 49ers walk out onto the field before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 29, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. less

Fans cheer as the San Francisco 49ers take the field prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Fans cheer as the San Francisco 49ers take the field prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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Patton adds to legend with clutch fourth-quarter catch

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From Chronicle colleague Scott Ostler:

The Quinton Patton legend began before the young man ever arrived in Santa Clara.

The 49ers drafted the wideout from Louisiana Tech in the fourth round. Patton was so thrilled he bought himself a plane ticket and was driving to the 49ers headquarters when team officials got wind and ordered him to turn around and go home, lest the team incur a huge fine for bringing in a rookie too early.

When Jim Harbaugh gushed that story on KNBR, Eric Byrnes said, “Man, it’s going to be tough when you have to cut him.”

“That’s not going to happen,” Harbaugh said.

And it didn’t. Patton made the team, but missed 10 games with a broken foot. Coming into Sunday’s game he had one reception for zero yards.

Sunday Heeeere’s Quinton!

He ran an end-reverse for 26 yards on the 49ers’ first series, and late in the quarter threw the key block on Anquan Boldin’s 63-yard catch-and-run.

“I need to get back in the weight room,” Patton said with a laugh, “I should have knocked (the Cardinal) down.”

Late in the fourth quarter, score 17-17, Patton bobbled and dropped a slant pass on third-and-two. On the sideline, Boldin got in the rookie’s face.

“I went to him and told him, ‘We’re going to need you, so continue to play,’ “ Bolden said. “And sure enough, we came back to him and he made a big play.”

With 18 seconds left, at the 49ers’ 49, Kaepernick threw along the right sideline to Patton, who made a sensational leaping catch over cornerback Antoine Cason, 29 yards, setting up the game-winning field goal.

When did Patton first see the ball?

“When I picked my head up at 10 yards (into the route),” Patton said, “and I seen the ball coming and I’m like, ‘Aw, man, go get it!’ “

He did, managing to stay in-bounds.

So the Quinton Patton legend continues, and while many have forgotten the eager rookie’s too-early arrival, he said he still gets grief about it from some teammates, especially cornerback Carlos Rogers.

Well, it was embarrassing, but it caught Harbaugh’s attention, and Sunday that paid big dividends. Patton, a quiet but off-the-charts enthusiastic guy, has a way of getting noticed.

“Yessir,” he said, “I try to get everyone’s attention, in a good way.”